- Nissan presented inaugural Benchmark Award for its support of minority businesses
- Collaboration between Nissan and Emma Hill Manufacturing cited as a best practice within automotive industry
- Nissan is committed to supplier diversity efforts to drive mutual success
NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Nissan North America received the inaugural Benchmark Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an initiative of Citizenship Education Fund, for the company’s work in support of minority companies. The award was presented at the 18th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit Business Luncheon today in Detroit.
Nissan was recognized specifically for its work with Jeffrey Willis’ Emma Hill Manufacturing, an original equipment manufacturer of floor and cargo mats for the automotive industry based in LaGrange, Georgia.
Soon after launching Emma Hill Manufacturing, Willis landed a contract with Nissan and began a partnership with Nissan’s Supplier Diversity team to prepare the company’s infrastructure for a successful launch and stable production.
“Nissan’s success in the marketplace depends, in part, on our suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver a quality product on time,” said Gary Zoller, senior director, Vehicle Purchasing, and executive champion for the company’s Supplier Diversity function. “We provide support based on specific needs or requests from suppliers so they can successfully meet Nissan’s supply chain requirements.”
Nearly 40 percent of Nissan’s consumer base identify as multicultural, and we understand that this base is a driving force for our success. Through our Supplier Diversity Initiative, Nissan is committed to encouraging relationships with diverse suppliers such as Emma Hill Manufacturing.
According to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., President and Founder, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, “Your unwavering commitment to Emma Hill Manufacturing was an intentional decision by Nissan’s management team to support a minority supplier. Quite frankly, Emma Hill would not be in business today without your assistance.”
The Benchmark Award is given to organizations, companies and individuals that create best practice opportunities through creative methodologies and unsolicited management strategies to accomplish a successful outcome.
About Nissan North America, Inc.
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia Oceania; Africa, Middle East India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world’s largest automotive partnership, with combined annual sales of almost 10 million vehicles.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
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